Mount Meru is
one of Africa's most beautiful volcanoes, and it is the
second highest mountain in Tanzania at
4,5685m, the fifth highest in Africa.

The mountain is located within Arusha National Park,
Tanzania’s gem. This prime location gives walkers the
opportunity to spot some of the birds and wildlife that
inhabit the area. The ascend is quite steep, the route to
the summit passes over streams, through parkland, montane
forest, a giant heather zone and moorland. The summit is
reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning
views of the Ash Cone lying several
thousand feet below in the crater. Weather permitting,
Kilimanjaro can be seen in the West. There are two huts
available to climbers on the mountain and firewood is
supplied. The best time to climb Meru is between
October and February. But also June to September,
while it is colder then.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day
1: Arusha to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
Depart from your hotel in the morning for Momella Gate of
Arusha National Park (1,500 m.). After park entrance
formalities, we begin our hike, guided by a park ranger. The
track passes open grassland, providing an opportunity to see
buffalo, warthogs and other grazers. The trail continues as
a steady climb through montane forest. We take lunch near a
giant Fig Tree arch. After lunch, the route continues
through less dense forest, where there are an abundance of
birds and black and white colobus monkeys.

By
mid-afternoon, we can see towering cliffs and the Ash Cone.
We reach Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m.),
situated in an idyllic grassy glade, in time to enjoy the
last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the
surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. (4-6 hours walking).

Day
2: Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) to Saddle Hut (3,570 m)
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru
is a short day but a steep climb. We slowly ascend through
lush montane forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant
Ridge. From here we enjoy excellent views of the summit
ridge and across the crater floor. The path continues
through giant heather and other fascinating moorland
vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3,570 m), where lunch is
will be provided. The afternoon is free to relax and to
enjoy the views. The more energetic can make the short climb
to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820
m) for superb views just before sunset. (3-5 hours walking).

Day
3:
Saddle Hut (3,570 m) to Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m)
We start early at around 2 a.m. to climb steeply to Rhino
Point (3,800 m.), continuing along an undulating ridge of
ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m) at sunrise. The
views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash
Cone rising from the Crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on
the morning clouds and west towards the Rift Valley if the
weather is clear. The summit of Socialist Peak
(4,566 m.) is an hour further on a good but steep
path. The route back to Rhino Point in the morning light, on
a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater
and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall, is one of the most
dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. We enjoy a rest
and brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to
Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m, 10-12 hours walking).

Miriakamba
Hut Note: The ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is
not suitable for those suffering from vertigo. In icy
conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for
anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point

Day
4:
Miriakamba Hut (2,514 m) - hotel in Arusha
We take the direct route down through open grassland and
mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This
trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over
the plains of the National Park. We should reach Momella
Gate by late morning (2-3 hours walking). Once you reach the
end of the climb you will be transferred to your hotel.